The Rabbitohs NRL squad is coming together for 2018, which will give us idea of some of the players for the Bears next year.

A few new signings who are likely to feature with the Bears:
Richie Kennar - centre from Bulldogs
Jesse Arthars - centre/fullback from Melbourne U20s
Mark Nicholls - front rower from Melbourne
Connor Tracey - halfback signed from Cronulla for 2017, but was out injured all year

Under-20s
The Rabbitohs have also released a number of articles of some of their U20s who have re-signed next year, plus there were a few already on multi-year deals. Some of these will be pushing for spots in the ISP Cup, or will help form the core of the Bears U20s side next year. The Bears have also signed up their best SG Ball players from 2017.
The Rabbitohs signings are:
Dean Hawkins - halfback
Sam Johnstone - front row
Ky Rodwell - front row
Josh Cook - hooker
Lucky Tavaale - back row
Mawene Hiroti - centre/wing
Tyrone Taukamo - wing

Last edited by girvie on Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

Are Hiroti and Taukamo based off earlier signing announcements? I wonder if their contracts are still valid or whether players had to re-register due to the changes in the u20s?

For the recent announcements some background info is:

Josh Cook: Souths junior. played in Souths SG Ball but no u20s this year. The signing announcement mentioned him being part of the 2017 u20s squad but i never saw his name in the player profiles. They were usually updated quite well so dunno whats goin on there.

Dean Hawkins: Souths junior played SG Ball then transitioned to u20s this year.

Sam Johnstone: Came from Mackay and played SG Ball in 2016. Played u20s this year. A big unit at 196cm/116kg. Given his size it carried the usual hype. From what i saw he hasnt been necessarily dominating but had some hallmarks of a solid no-nonsense prop. Good workrate, put in the effort quite well. Could be a NRL player one day i think but hasnt been tested against the men just u20s.

Ky Rodwell: Souths junior, played SG Ball then u20s this year.

Lucky Kenny Taavale: from wynnum manly u20s and was in the Souths u20s this year. I get the feeling he's a quiet achiever. Has been solid everytime i've seen him play.

These are the players in the 2017 squad that were still eligible to play u20s. Background is generally where they were just prior to this season.

A few new signings who are likely to feature with the Bears:
Richie Kennar - centre from Bulldogs
Jesse Arthars - centre/fullback from Melbourne U20s
Mark Nicholls - front rower from Melbourne
Connor Tracey - halfback signed from Cronulla for 2017, but was out injured all year